Public gravel pit hearing set for Jan. 8

BARRINGTON — The Planning Board will hold a public hearing Jan. 8 on the proposed gravel pit on Green Hill Road at the Rochester town line.

Plans for the proposed excavation area, submitted by Trinity Conservation, LLC, have already been approved by the Planning Board as complete, and the Strafford Regional Planning Commission is reviewing the project documents for regional impact.

The site of the proposed gravel pit would also see blasting operations if the Planning Board approves the site plan for the project down the road.

The excavation area is being proposed in an area currently zoned as residential, and would be in proximity to Barrington homes on Green Hill Road, as well as Rochester homes on Stillwater Circle and Jessica Drive.

Since the plans have been proposed, residents in Barrington and Rochester have expressed concerns about the project. These concerns have revolved around potential dust levels, noise, the project’s effect on the Isinglass River, and decreasing property values.

If the project gets approved, Green Hill Road would also see truck traffic coming to and from the site on a regular basis. At peak hour, trucks would be driving on the road every 10 minutes, according to planning documents.

According to Town Planner Marcia Gasses, gravel pits are permitted to be situated in residential areas in Barrington.

The public hearing on the project will take place at the Early Childhood Learning Center on Ramsdell Lane, at 6:30 p.m.